For me, Women’s Day is about my girlfriends

Last week, my grandmum’s best friend passed away. She was 90. She lived a good life. When I popped into the world before time (pre-mature), it was she who knitted cardigans for me, overnight — to keep me warm. She was special. They were neighbours, living across the street.

The news left me in tears. ‘She was a beautiful part of all that was left of grandma (who, left us more than a decade ago),’ I sobbed. I had seen their friendship grow. I had seen them nurture their relationship — I had seen them care, protect, and love each other. It was looking at them that I’d learnt why every girl needed a friend. It got me thinking of the strengths of female friendships. For me, the International Women’s Day is about these women. It’s about girlfriends, who keep us going.

They don’t want to know what you had for breakfast or if you’ve gained an inch, or a kilo. Her life doesn’t get disturbed if you shift houses; she won’t help you with contact details of real estate agents; or lift heavy boxes. But, if the shabby, old mirror that you’d purchased on a college trip breaks down during packing, she’ll be upset about it. Don’t call her to say you’ve bought flowers for your home. She, like you, has too many things on her mind. She doesn’t have time for small talk. Tell her, you bought flowers for yourself

She isn’t around to merely be a shoulder to cry on, she is the brick. Don’t get her wrong. She cares for you.

and hear her squeal in delight. Bottom line: She is not bothered about the spaghetti in your bowl. She is about bigger things. Freckles are not her concern, neither is flu. She isn’t around to merely be a shoulder to cry on, she is the brick. Don’t get her wrong. She cares for you, but she doesn’t want you to sweat about the smaller stuff. She won’t message you to ask if all’s well between you and your partner, for she knows that if something weren’t, you would have told her. She knows your working hours are long, and commute hours even longer, but she doesn’t know the exact time you leave for work. She will not bore you with work-life balance talk, either. Yet, she’ll be the first one to sit down with you and have that chat when she feels the time is right. You may not speak with her every day or every week, yet she’s the one you call when you are in big trouble. And that she’ll be happy to attend to. Right away. She is your regiment. She is your forever girlfriend. She is your soul mate. She is you.

As I look back, I realise that the aunt was my grandma’s forever friend. I am sure, they must be happy, united — exchanging notes, perhaps also watching over all of us. As for me, I will not stop narrating their tales, whenever I’d get a chance.

P.S: You’re fortunate, if you have more than one forever girlfriend. I, indeed, am. Girls, you know who you are.